Community campaigners have escalated their push to save the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, presenting a petition of about 2500 signatures to East Gippsland Shire Council last Tuesday night and urging a clear commitment to a future 50-metre outdoor facility in the town.
Led by community spokesperson Stephanie Buckland, the petition called on council to repair and reopen the existing pool, while also ensuring the community has a meaningful role in planning any future aquatic infrastructure for Bairnsdale.
Addressing councillors, Ms Buckland said the strength of public support had been consistently demonstrated throughout the campaign.
“We respectfully ask council to undertake the repairs needed to make the pool safe and reopen in 2026,” she said.
“East Gippsland Shire residents want an outdoor 50 metre pool in Bairnsdale.”
Ms Buckland said the issue had evolved beyond the immediate future of the ageing facility, and was now focused on long-term investment in outdoor swimming infrastructure.
“We understand the issue is no longer about reopening the existing pool,” she said.
“It is about rebuilding the 50 metre outdoor pool and ensuring access to a modern outdoor aquatic facility in Bairnsdale.”
However, council has confirmed the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool will remain closed after an independent safety and condition assessment found the facility had reached the end of its service life and presents significant safety and compliance risks.
The assessment, undertaken by Built Environment Collective, concluded that more than $5.3 million would be required to extend the pool’s life by around 10 years, with further works likely needed within five years. It also noted additional costs would apply for design, engineering, demolition, permits and project management.
East Gippsland Shire Council chief executive officer Fiona Weigall said the findings clearly outlined the scale of investment required.
“The safety assessment provides a detailed understanding of the condition of the facility and the significant investment that would be required to bring it up to standard,” she said.
Ms Weigall said council was legally required to ensure workplace health and safety obligations were met, meaning the pool could not be reopened in its current condition.
Council also confirmed no further repair funding will be allocated to the existing structure, with any future decisions now tied to the development of the East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy.
The strategy, due for completion by December 2026 and council consideration in early 2027, will review aquatic facilities across the shire, reassess demand for outdoor swimming in Bairnsdale, and include community and stakeholder engagement.
Despite the closure decision, councillors acknowledged the strength of public feeling surrounding the pool’s future.
Cr Bernie Farquhar said the level of community advocacy had been impossible to ignore.
“After hearing the public outcry for a new pool, we definitely move ahead on this project,” he said.
Ms Buckland said the campaign reflected not just concern for the facility, but broader trust in decision-making processes and community consultation.
“This isn’t just about a facility, it’s about trust in the council’s processes, in its commitment to listen, and in its willingness to act on what it hears,” she said.
She also called for continued community involvement in planning, noting that while campaigners had sought to participate in council’s project reference group, conditions had limited their ability to continue public advocacy.
“We would welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively to the strategy while continuing to represent community views,” she said.
Council has indicated it will respond directly to petitioners and confirmed that future consultation will occur through the Aquatic Strategy process.
